Why concrete remains a rock-solid design choice

Dr Bill Price of Tarmac Cement discusses why concrete is increasingly popular with architects for its aesthetic as well as practical characteristics An ever-popular material for construction, concrete is seeing a new wave of usage and innovation, thanks to both... View Article

Expand your mind

Adrian Walker of Sundolitt discusses why specifiers should consider expanded polystyrene as a versatile as well as sustainable material for landscaping applications Weighing only 1 per cent of the weight of traditional fill, expanded polystyrene (EPS) is continuing to prove... View Article

Getting the balance right

Jon Sheaf of AluK discusses the considerations that must be taken into account when specifying curtain walling, alongside achieving the right aesthetic results Once a glazed facade has been chosen as part of your building envelope, the first stage in... View Article

Making a solid decision

Andy Noble of CD (UK) looks at why architects should consider staying ahead of the curve by specifying solid surface facades for a highly contemporary look How do you create a contemporary and yet timelessly effective facade? From a wave-like... View Article

Get in the frame

Steve Griffiths of Taylor Lane Timber Frame discusses why working closely with timber frame manufacturers is going to be of benefit to any architect If I had to give just one tip for architects considering timber frame construction, it would... View Article

Natural slate, natural beauty

Allan Liddell of Cupa Pizarras explores the inherent beauty, as well as the environmental credentials, of natural slate Slate is formed through the regional metamorphosis of mudstone or shale under low-grade conditions. This happens when shale or mudstone is exposed to... View Article

Airshow contractors embrace Armstrong’s recycling lead

Armstrong leads the green agenda at its sixth Farnborough International Airshow. Armstrong Ceiling Solutions has recycled more than 10,000m2 of mineral tiles from this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, the sixth time the manufacturer has provided the recycling service at the bi-annual event. This... View Article

Compare and contrast: steel vs aluminium

Calvin Wilson of Metal Technology looks at the relative pros and cons of steel and aluminium from a structural perspective Architects need no introduction to the benefits of metal as a structural material with design flexibility, robust performance and aesthetic... View Article

Galvanizing sustainability in construction

Andy Harrison of Wedge Group Galvanizing explores the key benefits galvanizing brings to sustainable construction, and highlights the growing number of techniques adopted by the galvanizing industry to further reduce the sector’s environmental impact Galvanizing has long been recognised as... View Article

Copper – the real thing

Despite an unrivalled heritage including use on some of our oldest buildings, continuing developments make copper and its alloys thoroughly modern and sustainable options for contemporary architecture, as Graeme Bell of Aurubis explains Copper has seen a dramatic shift from... View Article

The fast route to compliance

Steve Howard of Neaco gives his view on why there has been a revolution in balconies and decking, with the dominance of wood being usurped by aluminium Decking design is undergoing something of quiet revolution. For many years, two materials... View Article

The most sustainable material of them all

Sean Parnaby of West Port says that the timber industry is gradually winning the war against misconceptions about what he claims is not only the oldest, but the best fenestration material There’s a growing awareness that timber isn’t the expensive,... View Article

The timber revolution

Sarah Harding of Accsys Group reports on how the UK is experiencing a revolution in timber in architecture, as designers and specifiers increasingly embrace the material’s combination of beauty and environmental advantages Running earlier this year at the Roca London... View Article

The membrane method

Adam Ford and John Mellor of Protect Membranes discuss how to achieve low U-values using membrane technology with low emissivity The use of timber in construction is now seen as a key route to address the UK’s housing shortage. The... View Article

Going with the grain

Here, Gregg Wright of Reliance Veneer explains how the demand for decorative timbers combined with modern manufacturing techniques not only makes environmental sense, but can also enhance design Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of furniture and wondered... View Article

Kawneer helps Tonbridge School build on its literary history

Two new extensions to Tonbridge School’s Smythe Library feature Kawneer glazing systems. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for the most significant external change to the £3.6 million refurbishment of a library at one of Kent’s most prestigious independent boys’ schools.... View Article